Different between 2 tier and 1 rate

ForestBluebells

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I have tried looking through this forum but cant see an answer.

I have just moved into a flat (well 1st Feb) and the owners already gave EDF my name so we were automatically put with them too.

I asked the EDF people on the phone about tarrifs and they said they couldnt talk about them with me but suggested I look online as thier cheaper tarrifs are on there.

What I do not understand is how I know which one to choose.

A door to door energy guy almost got me to switch before I said why are you filling that form out and realised he was trying to get me to fill a contract out (doh!)

I think I am a low energy user, in my previous place I only used about £30-40 a quarter for gas and same for electric although in my new place i have the heating on more as its ground floor so no heat coming from other flats (well this is a maisonette now too)

I have CH and HW on for about 2/3 hours in the morning and same in the evening and occassionally pop them on for an hour if it feels cold or the water has gone cold.

Is that a low user?

I do not know if i need to be looking at paying a daily charge then a standard rate or a 2 tier rate, which is best for my consumption, I dont really want to switch provider as I guess i will have to pay an exit fee now but can switch tarrif within EDF.

I hope someone can help me understand all this

KimYeovil

If the same tariff is available with both a no standing charge and a daily standing charge version then you (and everyone) should choose the no standing charge version as there should be no difference in the price (but there is a chance you can gain slightly when your usage is VERY low.) That is, for an electricity tariff where the first 900 kWhs per year are charged at tier 1, 900 x (tier 2 - tier 1) should come out to be the same within pennies as 365 x the daily standing charge (and the tier 2 price should be the same as the standing charge unit price.) Have a look at some tariffs and see for yourself.

But some tariffs are available in only a daily/annual standing charge version. This may still be cheaper as it will be a completely different tariff - do not confuse comparing two versions of the same tariff with two completely different tariffs.

You should also look at Ebico - at £10 each per month Ebico should work for you - even with the electricity. The gas should be much cheaper and the electricity about the same. As you predict, though, watch out for an increase in gas consumption.

ForestBluebells

I still find it really confusing.

I know our standard electricity rate which we are on now is 19.60p for the first 225kw per quarter then 11.03 for anything thereafter.

Gas is 7.35 for the first 670kw then 3.209 thereafter

There online saver however is like this:
19.16p daily charge then 10.8p for anything used.
gas has a dialy charge of 25.76 then 2.721p for any used.

Which one is better?

I am so confused!